
Heavenly Comfort: Creamy Coconut Milk Vanilla Rice Pudding You’ll Fall in Love With
This Coconut Milk Vanilla Rice Pudding is a creamy, plant-based twist on a timeless comfort dessert. Made with fragrant vanilla, coconut milk, and a hint of sweetness, it’s rich, soothing, and entirely dairy-free — perfect warm or chilled.
Ingredients
- 1 Vanilla pod
- 1l Coconut milk
- 125g Blond sugar
- 200g Pudding rice
Instructions
- Score the vanilla pod lengthwise and scrape the seeds out.
- Place the coconut milk, vanilla pod, seeds and sugar in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Remove from the heat and let infuse for 15 minutes.
- Scoop out and discard the vanilla pod, then add the rice and bring it to a simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on the rice; you want it soft.
- Spoon the cooked rice pudding into pudding bowls to serve.
- Leave it to cool completely and store it in the fridge for 2 days.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 718Total Fat: 54gSaturated Fat: 46gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 103mgCarbohydrates: 61gFiber: 0gSugar: 40gProtein: 7g
Coconut Milk Vanilla Rice Pudding: A Creamy Classic Reimagined
There’s something deeply nostalgic about a bowl of rice pudding — that gentle sweetness, the comforting texture, and the way the aroma fills your kitchen as it simmers. This coconut milk vanilla rice pudding takes that familiar feeling and gives it a tropical, plant-based upgrade. Creamy, fragrant, and naturally dairy-free, it’s the kind of dessert that feels indulgent yet wholesome, simple yet special.
The Origins of Rice Pudding
Rice pudding’s roots stretch back thousands of years and across continents. Historians believe it originated in India, where rice and milk have long been key ingredients in sweet dishes like kheer. As rice spread through trade routes, so did versions of this humble pudding — from arroz con leche in Spain and Latin America to riz au lait in France and sütlaç in Turkey.
The French version, riz au lait à la vanille, is perhaps the closest ancestor to today’s recipe. Traditionally simmered in cow’s milk with sugar and vanilla, it’s a staple of home cooking — simple, comforting, and endlessly customisable. The coconut milk vanilla rice pudding is a modern interpretation, keeping that same soul-soothing spirit while embracing the creamy depth of coconut milk.
Why Coconut Milk Works So Well
Coconut milk is an excellent ingredient for plant-based desserts. It’s naturally rich and velvety, making it the ideal substitute for dairy cream. The subtle coconut flavour complements vanilla beautifully, adding warmth and depth without overpowering. Plus, coconut milk is loaded with medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) — fats that are more easily metabolised by the body for quick energy.
When paired with vanilla, it creates a luxurious aroma and taste that’s both comforting and slightly exotic. You can use Madagascar vanilla pods or pure vanilla extract, but the key is patience — letting the rice slowly absorb the flavours and become perfectly tender.
Nutritional Goodness
Although rice pudding is often seen as indulgent, it offers surprising nutritional benefits. Rice provides carbohydrates for energy, while coconut milk adds healthy fats that keep you satisfied longer. Using unrefined sweeteners like maple syrup or coconut sugar can make it more wholesome.
This coconut milk vanilla rice pudding is also naturally gluten-free and can be easily adapted for low-sugar diets. For extra nutrition, sprinkle toasted almonds, chia seeds, or a handful of berries on top.
Fun Facts About Rice Pudding
- In Sweden, rice pudding (risgrynsgröt) is a Christmas tradition — a single almond is hidden inside, and whoever finds it is said to have good luck all year.
- The oldest written recipe for rice pudding dates back to the 14th century, found in a medieval English cookbook.
- Some cultures serve rice pudding cold, others warm — and the debate over which is better still continues!
A Dessert That Feels Like a Hug
What makes coconut milk vanilla rice pudding so timeless is its simplicity. It doesn’t need fancy ingredients or elaborate steps — just slow cooking, patience, and good-quality staples. Whether it’s served for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat, each spoonful feels like a warm embrace.
It’s also a perfect recipe for those looking to reduce dairy without giving up that creamy comfort. As plant-based cooking continues to evolve, this humble pudding proves that flavour and indulgence don’t depend on animal products.
Explore More Comforting Vegan Classics
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like:
- Vegan Chocolate Mug Cake — ready in minutes, deeply chocolatey.
- Vegan Crème Brûlée — silky, elegant, and full of vanilla aroma.
For more on the history of rice desserts, you can explore culinary archives on The Oxford Food Symposium or dive into the world of global puddings at National Geographic Food.